Maine lawmakers tout single payer system

By Staff
Associated Press
April 8, 2009

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine lawmakers have passed a resolution calling on President Obama and Congress to establish a single-payer health system that covers everyone.

The Senate passed the nonbinding resolution by a 20-15 vote on Wednesday, a day after the House did the same by a 91-52 vote.

The resolution cites the high costs of the present system and says managed care, health maintenance organizations and other reforms have failed to contain health costs.

The resolution was passed months after a poll of nearly 600 Maine physicians showed a majority in favor of a single payer or "Medicare for all" approach. The survey, conducted in November and December, showed 52 percent in favor and 48 percent against.